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mummiez & daddiez magazine May - June Issue 2013

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Are you are a traditional dad in a traditional family, a<br />

non custodial dad, a stay home dad or a stepdad?<br />

Whatever your role within the family I think you will<br />

agree when I say the most precious thing a dad can<br />

give his kids is his quality time. Truly a personal<br />

investment in your children is much more important<br />

to them than any toy, computer game or electronic<br />

gadget. Here are some great, and sometimes<br />

creative, ways to get together with your children in a<br />

positive way.<br />

1. Tell your children a story<br />

Young children love stories. It is a fun way for you to<br />

invest time in their lives. Find out how to become a<br />

great storyteller and enjoy making believe with your<br />

kids. This will make you feel like a child again.<br />

2. Plan a picnic<br />

Spring and summer time is here and this is the<br />

perfect time to be out for a picnic with your children.<br />

Children love to be outdoors with their dad.<br />

3. Take a day trip<br />

Find out how you can plan an effective, positive and<br />

rewarding summer day out and really spent some<br />

time together. <strong>May</strong>be a trip to the zoo, this trip is<br />

always a winner and there are plenty of discussions<br />

to be had at the zoo. Day trips do not always have<br />

to involve spending money a lovely trip to the park<br />

feeding the ducks can be just as effective.<br />

4. Turn off the television<br />

It is frightening how important the television has<br />

become in some families. Sitting together and<br />

watching TV is entertaining, and sometimes<br />

educational, but it does not allow quality ‘together<br />

time’ and interaction.<br />

5. Spend the evening together<br />

Set aside one night, each week for the family and<br />

only the family. You will enjoy this so much you will<br />

wonder what you ever did without it!<br />

6. Grow a garden<br />

Get your hands dirty! What can be better than that<br />

for a great dad-child activity? Explore the world of<br />

gardening and find ways to involve your children in<br />

this interesting and positive activity. You do not<br />

need a garden to do this. You can plant some seeds<br />

such as Sunflowers in old polystyrene egg cartons.<br />

You can plant, water and watch them grow together.<br />

You will be amazed with the amount of joy and<br />

sense of achievement this activity will bring your<br />

child as the seed flower s.<br />

7. Eating Together<br />

So many families struggle to find time to interact.<br />

Many families have found one key to more time<br />

together is planning mealtimes for family<br />

involvement and commitment.<br />

8. Help with homework<br />

For some homework will bring back memories, it<br />

seemed like most of your childhood was consumed<br />

with homework – right? Find some great resources<br />

and tips for being a top flight homework helper, your<br />

children will really appreciate this.<br />

9. Enjoy the cold weather<br />

Even during the winter months, there are things dads<br />

and children can do together. At the park there may<br />

still be lots of crunchy leaves for you to have fun<br />

crunching and lots of twigs on the ground for you to<br />

collect and build something with.<br />

10. The car or public transport<br />

Consider loading your family up for a car trip. While<br />

time travelling in a vehicle is not considered quality<br />

time by some, it can create great memories and a<br />

chance to talk and interact in a different and<br />

enjoyable activity.

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